I'm tired if being the new "new" nurse

[newbie_nurseRN]

I had quite a struggle nailing my first RN position after graduation (May '13) and lacked a post-graduate plan. I was do focused on just GRADUATING I didn't even give "life after graduating" a second thought. I was told repeatedly that I'll get a good job soon, there are jobs for nurses everywhere blah blah blah. Also unlike many of my other classmates I didn't even begin to apply for jobs until....maybe....September after I obtain my license (July '13).

However I finally was offered a job at a nearby nursing home in December, and it was a great blessing as I do aspire to focus on the geriatric population. However I was shocked at the only 5 days of training required. The facility it's self was going through a major transition and lacked resources/organization compared to bigger/hospital facilities. For example it was an adjustment to go from computerized MARs to handwritten EVERYTHING! The facility is relatively small and I am/will be the only nurse on my hall (approx 12 pts now), but the fact that I'm a "new" nurse and every knows it makes me feel like a 5yr old attempting a scene in the school play and on the verge of peeing her pants :/.

Most of my frustration is because, I am a new nurse and I look really young for my age and it kinda puts me in a vulnerable position. I just dream of the day when I can say I am a nurse with 5-10-20 years experience. I sometimes struggle with my confidence as well (especially when being closely supervised). I am a perfectionist and kinda prideful so I have a fear of failure/being wrong and feel ashamed when people treat me like a "baby nurse". UGH Also this is my first job in my life! Please don't get me wrong though, I love nursing and believe in my heart that it is my calling. I just wonder is this a normal phase of being a new nurse? Not wanting to be "a new nurse" anymore and just a nurse!!

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Yes, this gets better. Yes, many people go through this. No, it doesn't help that you look young.

Keep your professionalism about you, learn as much as you can, ask questions, and strive to become the best nurse you can be. This too shall pass.

Soon, you'll be tired of being the "old nurse"!

[Swellz]

I hear you! I feel like a little girl at the adult table. I know I personally need an attitude adjustment and to remind myself that everyone was new once, even if some of my coworkers forget that. I just want to feel like I know what I am doing, rather than feeling like I simply completed all my tasks for the day and it is only a success because no one died.

[sunshyne17]

lol I feel your new nurse pain. It helps that I have had a career before this though. And that I am older but I do look younger than I am. All I have to say is fake the confidence and admit when you don't know something. Your patients/residents need to believe and trust what you say. They will if you have that air of confidence surrounding you.

And when someone asks a question or something happens and you don't know - you don't know. Say it. There's nurses who have been around for years that don't things. Nothing to be ashamed about.

:) Hang in there and soon you will carry that experience with you like a badge of honor!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

The first year of nursing sucks. We all went through it. We all GOT through it. You will, too.

If this is your first JOB ever, you've got a lot of changes to accept all at once. I'd been self-supporting for four years when I started my first nursing job, so I knew about being responsible and showing up on time, staying until the work is done and all of those things you're probably just now learning. I'd think it would make it all more difficult for you. But you'll get through this, too. You are a NEW nurse, so don't be insulted at being treated like one. It's all good, and you'll probably get more help that way.

Please do not be so prideful that you are unable to admit when you don't know something or when you've made a mistake. You're holding people's health and even their lives in your hands and you cannot afford to be too prideful to admit ignorance or failure. You cannot afford to be too prideful to ask questions or to ask for help when you need it. You cannot afford to be too prideful to accept, internalize and benefit from criticism. You'll make mistakes. We all do. But admit it, and learn from it.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Being a new nurse is humbling, no doubt about it. It is a big serving of humble pie every work day for the next couple of years. You will need to work on not defining yourself by what others think of you and not define yourself on your ability to be mistake free or know everything. Instead, start defining yourself by your ability to LEARN and APPLY KNOWLEDGE. It is far more commendable to know when to ask for help than it is to never need it. Particularly because even nurses with 5-10-20 years need help at times and are still learning.

Best of luck as you learn and grow in your new role. Everyone goes through angst as a new nurse. For me it started being less overwhelming around 8-9 months. You have only just begun. Be patient.

[newrnltc]

Im not a new nurse. Ive had positions in a few specialties. However each time I go to a new unit I get that same "new grad feel". Dont know where things are, dont know the nuances of that unit.. heck I even wonder how will I remember everyones names. The solution is always the same. Ask questions, take notes, work well with others and reflect on how you can improve every day. Practice safe nursing. You'll be an experienced nurse before you know it.

[newbie_nurseRN]

Thank you all!!! I really appreciate all of your comments and support. I just want so badly to be a "great" nurse, but I have to accept my circumstance (being a new nurse). I have gotten so much support from family and friends, but as always things are easier said than done. I'm thinking of extending my orientation days to increase my training and try not to be pressured into working on my own sooner than I need. I just have to keep my patients' safety in mind and learn as much as I can right now AND the years to come. I know nursing is where I belong, and I have to do what it takes to make it in this wonderful profession.